There are lots of stories in the media claiming that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is dead for now.

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And why wouldn't TPP be dead? Both presidential candidates say they are opposed to TPP. Various Congressional leaders have said that it is unlikely to come up. Nancy Pelosi has spoken out against it. Harry Reid says he opposes it. All labor and environmental organizations along with most consumer, health, human rights and other progressive-aligned groups oppose TPP. Six Republican members of Congress who voted for the "fast track" Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) have sent a letter opposing TPP. Even the Tea Party opposes TPP, calling it "Obamatrade." Under these circumstances, the very idea that it could come up for a vote at all, never mind that it might even pass, is an insult to democracy.

But here's the thing: Wall Street wants TPP and the giant multinational corporations want TPP. And what Wall Street and giant multinational corporations want from Congress, Wall Street and giant multinational corporations usually get from Congress. It's not like insulting democracy is a big no-no to that crowd. So did you really think TPP would just go away?

"President Obama said Monday that he remains optimistic Congress will pass an expansive Pacific Rim trade agreement before he leaves office amid anti-trade election year rhetoric from Democrats and Republicans.

"...On Friday, deputy press secretary Eric Schultz told reporters that the president is 'acutely aware of the politics around this.'

"'But that's not going to stop him from getting this done,' Schultz said.

"Schultz said that the president 'absolutely believes this deal should pass this year.'"

Dave has more than 20 years of technology industry experience. His earlier career included technical positions, including video game design at Atari and Imagic. He was a pioneer in design and development of productivity and educational (more...)